Sunday, March 16, 2008
What Business Are You In?
In one sentence, can you answer the question of what business you are in?
This question was used at the beginning of an exercise in creating the Team Values for a client of mine. We had lots of great discussion and energy on the topic, but something became clear to me as the conversation progressed. Team values are hard to define if individual team members do not have a strong sense of personal values.
First, “values” is not talked about on a daily basis. Yet, it should be the basis for how everyone in the organization makes decisions and treats others. Values are your guiding principles.
As a leader, it is your responsibility to have clarity around your personal values. Why? Because leaders go first. Patrick Lencioni, author of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” says that “values inflict pain.” In other words, by being congruent with your belief system there will be times when standing up for those beliefs will be painful. It might mean lost business.
If you want your team operating from an authentic set of values, take the time to define them for yourself first. Then go out and LIVE your values. Once you are crystal clear on your personal core values, you have a solid foundation from which to build the Team Values.
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie